Cut Rate Tickets To Boost SARS Hit Airlines
By Rosli Abidin Yahya

Bandar Seri Begawan - Airlines are taking options such as discounted tickets in their bids to woo back passengers holding back their travelling plans because of the global outbreak of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS).

Thai Airways International (THAI) introduced the promotional price of $400 per return ticket - exclusive of insurance and taxes - between Bandar Seri Begawan and Bangkok from April 22 to June 10. Normal price is $515.

The airline is reportedly planning to offer complimentary tickets and heavily discounted tour packages to 20,000 travel agents worldwide in its bid to woo back passengers.

The move comes amid declining flight occupancy rates and regional fears over the SARS virus.

Media reports from Thailand said the national carrier is to introduce generous promotions to ensure the airline stays afloat.

SARS had reduced the number of passengers on THAI's international flights by more than half.

The airline is to offer complimentary tickets and discounts of up to 90 percent sometime in June or July to offset the number of vacant seats.

Tour and airline operators had estimated the country could lose 550 million baht (B$22 million) per month solely due to the absence of arrivals from China.

THAI is also to place more emphasis on its domestic routes where the airline's ongoing austerity drive would be intensified in reaction to SARS.

Bangkok Airways president Prasert Prasartthong-osot meanwhile said his airline had reduced ticket prices by up to 25 percent as SARS had cut passenger numbers on its international flights by more than 15 percent, which had resulted in a 20% decline in revenue, he said.

However, unlike Thai, Bangkok Airways does not operate to Brunei.-- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

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